Lost something in Austin? Report it and we'll help you find it.
File one report with us, and we'll route it to Austin Police Department, Capital Metro, Austin-Bergstrom Airport, and the right local channels. Then our system monitors the web continuously for matches across marketplaces, social media, and community boards so you don't have to.
🔍Recently reported lost items in Austin – updated this September 3, 2026
- 📍 Medicine container lost near Soul of the Square, September 1.
- 📍 Polaroid camera lost near Oil Heating Building, September 1.
- 📍 Baby stroller lost near Pedogna, September 1.
How ReportLost Works
You tell us what you lost
Describe your item, where you lost it in Austin, and when. Upload a photo if you have one. We'll ask the right questions to create a complete report.
We route it to the right places
Your report goes directly to Austin Police's property unit, the relevant transit authority, airport lost and found, or local shelter if it's a pet. No back-and-forth calls on your end.
We watch for it while you move on
Our automated system scans Austin's web daily, checking Facebook groups, Nextdoor, Craigslist, local Buy/Sell pages, and community posts for matches. When we spot a credible lead, we alert you immediately so you can reconnect.
Where Lost Items Go in Austin
Each place handles reports differently. We connect you to all of them at once.
Austin Police Department
APD's property unit logs lost, found, and abandoned items. Reports can be filed in person at any precinct or online. The police publish notices of recovered property on their city page. We handle the routing and provide you with the exact details you'll need to file.
Capital Metro Transit (CapMetro)
Lost items left on Austin buses are held at the Transit Store downtown. If you lost something on CapMetro, call their dedicated lost and found line or email within a few hours of your trip for the best chance of recovery. Items are sorted and held for a limited time. We'll make sure your report reaches them with all the details they need.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Items left in terminals, security areas, or baggage claim are handled by separate departments. The airport's lost and found is open daily in Baggage Claim. TSA items are tracked separately. We'll submit your report to the right section of the airport and coordinate with both departments.
Lost Pet? Report it Now
Austin Animal Services and the Austin Humane Society are your primary resources for reuniting with a lost or found pet. They maintain searchable databases and hold stray animals. The sooner you report, the sooner they'll flag your pet in their system. If you've lost or found a pet, file a priority lost pet report with us instead, and we'll route it to all local animal services and post to pet recovery groups.
Austin Community Groups
Facebook groups and Reddit communities are where locals post found items daily. Groups like "Austin and Surroundings Lost & Found Items" and r/Austin have thousands of members sharing photos and tips. We monitor these groups continuously so your item is flagged if it appears, without you having to refresh manually.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated info on this page? Let us know, we fix it fast.
The first few hours matter, but you don't have to spend them making calls.
File your report now. Once we route it to Austin Police, CapMetro, the airport, and local channels, you can relax. Our system takes over the search.
Report my lost item →Austin's a big, busy city, and losing something valuable can feel overwhelming, whether it's a wallet left on a CapMetro bus downtown, keys dropped in a South Congress coffee shop, luggage at Austin-Bergstrom, or a cherished pet. The problem is that lost items end up in separate systems: the police department logs reports one way, transit has its own procedures, the airport runs its own lost and found, and social media groups operate independently. Handling it all yourself means calling multiple places, checking several Facebook groups and Reddit threads every day, and hoping someone posts a photo of your item.
ReportLost simplifies that burden. When you report with us, a single submission reaches all the right local authorities and services at once. But the real difference is what happens next: while you focus on your day, our system works for you around the clock, searching the entire public web for posts matching your loss. We cross-reference descriptions, locations, and dates to catch genuine matches and notify you before the item gets sold or lost to history. No more compulsively refreshing local Facebook groups or refreshing Reddit threads.
Common Places to Lose Things in Austin
Austin spans multiple neighborhoods and transit corridors. We handle reports from any area of the city.
Downtown & Congress Avenue
The heart of Austin sees lost wallets, phones, and bags in coffee shops, bars, and on the streets daily. High foot traffic means items often end up at police departments or tip jars.
South Congress (SoCo)
Retail shops, restaurants, and street festivals make SoCo a hotspot for lost personal items. Local shop owners often hold found goods, but connecting with them is easier through our coordination with APD.
University of Texas Campus
UT Police operate their own lost and found, separate from city services. If you lost something on campus or at a game, we route your report directly to UT PD alongside Austin Police.
Austin-Bergstrom Airport Corridor
Travel days mean luggage, travel documents, and valuables go missing in terminals and parking. The airport moves items quickly, so prompt reporting is critical.
Public Transit (Buses & Stations)
CapMetro buses and transit hubs handle hundreds of lost items monthly. Quick action and a description of your bus route improves odds of finding your item at the Transit Store.
Where Austin Posts Found Items
We monitor these channels so you don't have to refresh them daily.
Facebook group for wallets, phones, keys, and everyday items (no pets)
Facebook group and Instagram community dedicated to reuniting missing and found pets
Austin's main subreddit where locals post found items and ask for help locating them
Neighborhood-based posts from people who've found items nearby and want to return them
Local listings where found items are sometimes posted by good samaritans
Questions About Lost Items in Austin
How long does Austin Police hold lost property?
Austin Police maintains a found and abandoned property database, but storage time varies by item type and precinct. High-value items and electronics are typically held longer than consumables. We recommend reporting within 24 hours and asking the holding precinct for their retention policy.
What if I lost something on a CapMetro bus?
Call CapMetro's lost and found line at 512-389-7454 or email lostandfound@capmetro.org as soon as possible (best if same day). Items are moved to the Transit Store after 3 to 5 business days. We'll include your CapMetro trip details in your report so they can locate it faster.
Where do I pick up a lost item found by Austin Police?
Once APD confirms they're holding your item, they'll direct you to the appropriate precinct or property room. You'll need to show ID and proof of ownership. We'll give you the exact location and contact information when they confirm recovery.
Can I search Austin Animal Services for my lost pet?
Yes. Austin Animal Services' database is searchable online at austintexas.gov/animal-services, and you can call 512-978-0556 to confirm intake. The Austin Humane Society also holds strays at their East 13th Street facility. We recommend filing with us so we alert both facilities and monitor social pet recovery pages simultaneously.
How long does Austin-Bergstrom keep lost luggage?
The airport's lost and found is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and holds items pending claim. Call 512-530-LOST (5678) as soon as possible with your flight info and item description. Items unclaimed after a set period may be donated or discarded, so prompt action is important.
Is ReportLost.org official, or does it replace calling the police?
ReportLost is an independent service designed to save you time and improve your odds of recovery. We are not part of any government agency, but we work with official lost and found systems, police departments, transit agencies, and airports to route your report and monitor for matches. Filing with us does not replace a police report if you need one for insurance or legal purposes, though for most lost items, our coordinated approach is faster and more comprehensive than calling around yourself.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Ready to find your item?
The sooner you report, the better your chances. Let us handle the routing and searching so you can focus on the rest of your day.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with Austin Police Department, Capital Metro, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Austin Animal Services, the Austin Humane Society, University of Texas Police Department, or any other local government or private entity. We coordinate with these organizations on your behalf, but we do not represent them and are not responsible for their policies or decisions. Always verify directly with the relevant agency for the most current information on item retention, hours, or procedures.